Although camping is undoubtedly a great American pastime, that doesn’t mean that everyone automatically enjoys doing it. While you may love to escape from reality and get back to nature, your family might not feel the same way. If you’ve had disastrous camping trips in the past or are trying to foster a love of the great outdoors in your loved ones, these tips can help you turn just about anyone into a camping convert.
- Eat Well
When you get ready to head to your favorite campground, you might be inclined to pack only the basics. But a great camping trip needs more than just beans. You don’t have to sacrifice on sustenance just because you aren’t at home. An open fire is a great way to enjoy life’s finer pleasures like steak, seafood, and hearty breakfasts. You can even make skillet cookies! Bring a fancy bottle of bubbly and watch the sunset or make cooking a family affair in your cabin kitchen. Eating while on your camping trip should feel like a fun event, rather than a let-down. - Sleep Comfortably
One of the main reasons people don’t like camping is having to sleep in a bag on the cold, hard ground. If you’re opting for a rent, you may want to bring sleeping bag pads or even air mattresses to make the experience a lot less painful. Or if you want the chance to experience everything in nature without giving up sleeping in a bed, look for campgrounds with cabins. These campgrounds will provide all of the creature comforts you need while still providing your family with the chance to immerse yourselves in tons of outdoor fun. You may also want to bring along some extra blankets for evenings by the campfire or for a reminder from home for the little ones. - Don’t Give Up Convenience
When you look for places to camp, you should keep convenience in mind. You might be fine with digging a hole and throwing your personal hygiene to the winds, but for the sake of your family’s enjoyment, you’ll want to choose a campsite that has quality bathroom amenities. By choosing a campground that offers access to well-kept showers, toilets, sinks, and mirrors, you can ensure your family’s routine won’t be too disrupted. That way, they can start off the day in a better mood, which can make a huge difference in your entire trip. - Bring Activities With You
Some people love the tranquility of a camping trip and are totally content with what nature provides. But that definitely doesn’t apply to everyone. If you’re bringing young children, teenagers, or easily bored friends along, encourage everyone to bring activities they enjoy on the trip. Playing cards, books, sketchbooks, journals, cameras, and boardgames are all great choices. Whether you run into a rainy day or you simply get tired of hiking, these activities will give everyone something to look forward to during your time together. - Focus On Perception
Sometimes, people need to be reminded to change their point of view. Dealing with naysayers can be tough, but if you encourage them to change their outlook, everyone will have a better time. Instead of being bummed about a lack of cell phone service, make your friends and family see that this technological disconnection can actually be a cleanse for their well-being. Are they frustrated they can’t have their Starbucks or Keurig on the trip? Making coffee and enjoying a hot cup can be part of your morning routine by the fire. When your friends and family are quick to point out the things they’ll have to give up, highlight all of the benefits that can make camping worthwhile. Even if you don’t completely change their mind on camping in general, they’ll probably learn to love aspects of it!
Family-friendly amenities, clear expectations, and enjoyable conditions can make all the difference in your next camping trip. Not everyone will immediately love ditching the comforts of home for the campground, but these tips can often make the experience a lot more pleasant for everyone.